CFS Licensing Unit

Effective April 1, 2022, the duties required to license a family foster home for children were transferred from Human Service Zones to the ND Department of Health and Human Services, Children and Families Services section after the passage of legislative redesign efforts (SB 2086 section 26).

What does the CFS Licensing Unit do?

  • Implement and oversee ND law, rule and policy standards required for provider licensing
  • Engage in recruitment and retention efforts
  • Offer initial pre-service training to prospective foster care providers
  • Offer ongoing training to licensed foster care providers
  • Complete the licensing process with applicants, including a foster care home study
  • Partner with Human Service Zones, Tribal Nations and Division of Juvenile Services to support the placement needs of children into foster homes
  • Provide ongoing support to foster care providers
  • Identify and reimburse shelter and respite care providers
  • Complete Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP) licensing
  • Complete Supervised Independent Living (SIL) licensing
  • Complete Licensed Child Placing Agencies (LCPA) licensing
  • Complete certified shelter care programs licensing

 

What levels of family licensure are offered in North Dakota?

North Dakota offers different types of family foster care licensing to ensure individuals or families have options to meet their needs and the level of care that they would like to provide. 

  • Fully Licensed - Care for unrelated children and length of stay is dependent on the case plan.
  • Relative Licensed - Care for relative children and length of stay is dependent on the case plan.
  • Certified - Care for unrelated children for no more than 30 days. Great for respite and shelter care short-term.

 

Who do I call if I am interested in providing foster care in my home?

  • Call the Inquiry line at 1-833-FST-HOME (1-833-378-4663) to speak with the Recruitment and Retention Specialist.
  • Fill out the Request Information and you will be contacted.

 

How do I contact the CFS Licensing Unit?